There are many names you can associate with the Pocket Beagle such as Miniature Beagle, Toy Beagle, or Teacup Beagle. All these terms perfectly suit this adorable and somewhat different version of the Regular Beagle popular to thousands of families in America. In a literal sense, the Pocket Beagle is indeed a few inches shorter and smaller compared to its standard counterpart, however, he is still classified as a service dog.
Photo from: h_lippard(IG)A Pocket Beagle is typically sold for as high as $2000 or for as low as $500. The ones you would get from shelter homes are expectedly cheaper than the average price.
Be informed that the old Pocket Beagles have nothing to do with the modern ones we have today. The Modern Pocket Beagles are not purebred but are merely recreations of the original Pocket or Glove Beagles that no longer exist nowadays.
Before purchasing one, you have to be aware that he would be prone to several health complications so make sure that you ask for health certificates from the breeder. Getting a fully grown Toy Beagle is usually suggested since it’s hard to determine how big he’ll get when he grows.
Going for the Pocket Beagle is never a bad choice. He is super affectionate to his family, playful, and loyal. If you want to know if it’s truly worth getting a puppy of this kind, this article will unravel the answer for you.
What Impacts the Price?
Photo from: beagletanos (IG)There is no standard price set for all breeders to follow when it comes to selling out Pocket Beagles. Each one’s cost of breeding varies a lot like the city’s standard of living and the needed medical processes to be undergone by the puppy. Talking with your breeder on what kind of dog you’re looking for would also either increase or decrease the price tag.
Let’s understand the specific influencing features that make up the price of the Pocket Beagle:
Quality
This is by far, the largest factor that dictates the price of the Toy Beagle. It does not necessarily equate to the health of the dog although it plays a great role in determining the quality of the puppy. Instead, quality refers mainly to conformity. Pocket Beagles, however, are not accepted to join events like that held by the American Kennel Club as the organization has set absolute breed standards that must be strictly followed.
In most cases, Pocket Beagle breeders will look at how close the Teacup Beagle looks to the Regular Beagle. There should be no faults such as having shorter front legs compared to the hinds. Beware of breeders who would try to convince you otherwise that this is a desirable trait.
Location
Some breeders live in cities that have high costs of living. They would need to up their puppy prices to cover their needs to continue their breeding business. Some states might have breeding regulations they would need to comply with and this will also dramatically raise the fees.
Photo from: thebeaglebanjo (IG)Another thing breeders observe is the demand for the Pocket Beagle in their area. If there is high demand for this toy dog, the prices will go up especially if people are willing to pay a lot just to own one. If there is lots of competition, the prices will go down to attract customers.
Season
During the warmer months, many people are in search of furry companions they can bring with them on the beach or whatever escapades they have planned for vacation. Breeders are aware of this seasonal demand and in response, they would add a chunk on their set puppy prices. It is during the winter season when Pocket Beagle selling would usually be at its lowest peak, but the Christmas season is an exception as many families opt to buy or adopt a dog as a present for their kids.
Health
A trusted source will list down all the health screening tests the Pocket Beagle puppy has undergone including his faults to make you understand why the dog you are going for is of a particular quality. Sometimes, for health reasons, the breeder would ask you to spay or neuter the dog or do this before you bring it home.
If the Pocket Beagle is sold and has serious health issues, the price is usually marked down in cost but good breeders would be stricter on checking the kind of home the dog will end up in to ensure that you are capable of properly taking care of the pooch.
Sex & Age
Male Pocket Beagles are generally sold at a lower price compared to female ones who can be a great outlet to start a breeding business. Also, it is generally a norm that adult Pocket Beagles will be cheaper compared to puppies.
Breeder’s Reputation
Photo from: beagletanos (IG)Not all breeders are the same. Some are experienced while others are still a novice when it comes to specializing in Pocket Beagle breeding. Going for the breeder who is known to produce high-quality dogs will charge more than the inexperienced one. This is because experience comes with knowing the age-appropriate vaccination, the needed steps the puppy needs to take such as microchipping and socialization, and more.
Rescues
Pocket Beagles that end up in Shelter homes are much cheaper than getting him from a breeder. Normally, the range of costs will go anywhere from $100 to $400. Although the Pocket Beagle wouldn’t usually be undergoing genetic testing, he would at least be microchipped, vaccinated, or neutered (or spayed).
Most rescued Pocket Beagles don’t come with a health guarantee but some animal rescue organizations will help you cover the dog’s unexpected medical expenses if you can’t afford it.
Pet Stores
Pet stores charge higher or of the same price as what breeders would normally charge. Unfortunately, most dogs from these places are poorly socialized and chances are that they might have come from puppy mills. There is a limited health guarantee that goes with the Pocket Beagle from a pet store, yet sometimes, they would suggest that they replace your dog with another one if there are complications with the one you bought.
Not only did you waste a good ton of money but you’re also going to experience heartbreak if you’ve already bonded with the dog they are about to replace.
Additional Costs When Purchasing a Pocket Beagle
Aside from the price you need to pay from your trusted source, the expense doesn’t simply end there. Getting a dog comes with a life-long commitment to attend to the responsibilities a dog owner should have to secure a quality life for the Pocket Beagle.
So, what are these other costs?
Shipping and Delivery
The Miniature Beagle, being a small dog, will only be charged by the airlines by around $275 to $300. If he has a custom kennel, this may change the fee. Other means of delivery will also affect the price. Moreover, breeders don’t ship out dogs if the temperature is cold due to possible hypothermia so a delayed delivery has to be expected.
Microchipping
You can ask your breeder to have your Pocket Beagle puppy microchipped so that if ever he wanders off, you would be able to easily reclaim him.
Registration
Given that the AKC does not accept nor recognize the Pocket Beagle, there is no need to register your dog. The AKC believes that breeding miniature dogs should not be encouraged to avoid serious health risks. Also, the organization only acknowledges one Beagle breed of two types: one that is 13 inches tall and the other, 15 inches.
If your dog conforms to the breed standards, AKC will charge $30 to $79.99 depending on the package you choose.
Is It Expensive to Own a Pocket Beagle?
Photo from: pocketbeaglepenny (IG)Not really. Their regular counterpart is of medium maintenance. That means that the Pocket Beagle is fairly medium to low maintenance considering his smaller size. By simply providing him with his basic needs as well as your time, you’d realize that owning a Pocket Beagle is not overwhelming at all.
Here are the primary things you’d need to consider for your pet:
Dog Food
Pocket Beagles do well with high-quality dog food. Knowing that they are prone to various health risks, giving them their nutritional needs will either avoid or delay the onset of health problems.
You can talk with your vet to determine the amount of food your Pocket Beagle needs where age and size will come into play as factors. Generally, 1 ⅜ cups of food divided into two meals is enough to keep the dog moving.
Also, be cautious about what you feed your dog. Some dog foods contain ingredients that cannot be properly digested. It is suggested to opt for a grain-free diet such as The Green Dog- Vegan Dry Food for Puppies on Amazon. A bag will already last a couple of weeks for your Pocket Beagle.
Grooming Needs
Even before bringing home a Pocket Beagle puppy, you should already have prepared the grooming tools such as the clippers, brush and de-shedders, and bathing products. If you have the time, you can brush your dog twice a week or bring him to a professional groomer. Usually, small dogs are charged only $45 for a full service.
If this is not something you want to pay for occasionally, you can purchase your dog’s grooming supplies such as the Sminiker Professional Pet Grooming Kit.
Dogsitter
Photo from: mr._banks_the_pocket_beagle (IG)Pocket Beagles need a regular amount of exercise to keep their weights down especially that they are prone to obesity. If you spend most of your day at work and seem to not have much time to address your pet’s workout drills, hiring a pet sitter is ideal. The usual rate for walking your dog for half an hour is $15 and $30 for the whole hour.
Medical needs
If the regular Beagle can potentially be stricken with various health problems, your Pocket Beagle is at more risk. It does not necessarily mean that all Toy Beagles will develop diseases, but rather they are just more vulnerable. This is why AKC does not support Pocket Beagle breeding at all.
If you luckily got a healthy Pocket Beagle, make sure your pet receives all the shots before he gets exposed outside with other dogs. As much as you can, regularly visit your local vet to check the dog’s health status.
Training
Photo from: thebeagletillie (IG)Pocket Beagles are notoriously uncontrollable at yapping and barking. They are also known to be hard-headed so training is a good option for dog owners. You can train the dog yourself, although this can pose a challenge since he is heavily food-motivated. If ever you want to send him to training classes, you might need to splurge out $50 to $1250 a week depending on the type of class you want him to join.
Is It Worth Buying a Pocket Beagle?
Of course, it is! The Pocket Beagle is not far from the regular Beagle only that he’s smaller and more adorable. They both possess the same characteristics in most areas although the Pocket Beagle is not a purebred canine.
Nevertheless, he remains to be the kind of pet who will enjoy spending lots of time being clownish with you. Sometimes, you may see him on your feet being clingy and needy for your attention, and other times, he’ll just let you do your thing. Pocket Beagles are perfect for those who want to own a forever small dog!
